The best defense in college football will reside in Columbus next season, according to EA Sports.
The video game giant released its defensive ratings for College Football 25 on Thursday, with Ohio State coming in with a jaw-dropping 96 overall rating. Georgia is a close second at 94 overall, and no other team comes in at better than 90.
Here is a look at how the ratings shook out:
1. Ohio State – 96 OVR
2. Georgia – 94 OVR
3. Oregon – 90 OVR
4. Alabama – 90 OVR
5. Clemson – 90 OVR
6. Notre Dame – 90 OVR
7. Michigan – 90 OVR
8. Texas – 88 OVR
9. Penn State – 88 OVR
10. Utah – 88 OVR
11. Florida State – 88 OVR
12. Oklahoma – 88 OVR
13. Iowa – 88 OVR
14. Virginia Tech – 86 OVR
15. Wisconsin – 86 OVR
16. USC – 86 OVR
17. Auburn – 86 OVR
18. LSU – 84 OVR
19. Texas A&M – 84 OVR
20. Colorado – 84 OVR
21. Oklahoma State – 84 OVR
22. Louisville – 84 OVR
23. North Carolina – 84 OVR
24. Kansas State – 84 OVR
25. Florida – 84 OVR
For top 25 offenses, click here.
The Ohio State defense is led by four potential first-round picks in defensive tackle Tyleik Williams, edge rushers JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer and cornerback Denzel Burke. Transfer safety Caleb Downs was also the top-ranked player in the portal this offseason and will almost certainly be a Round 1 pick in 2026.
Ohio State’s 96 rating is the highest of any team on either side of the ball.
As is the case every season, Georgia is loaded with future first-round picks and 5-star prospects as well on the defensive side. Safety Malakai Starks and edge rusher Mykel Williams are strong bets for Round 1 next April, and the rest of the defense is loaded with veteran names with plenty of experience under Kirby Smart.
With a matching 94 overall rating on the offensive side, it’s clear EA Sports is tabbing Georgia as the national title favorite this season.
Behind Georgia and Ohio State, there is a clear tier system the rest of the way. Oregon, Alabama, Clemson, Notre Dame and Michigan are all 90 overall, and they’re followed by a group of six teams at 88.
EA Sports College Football 25 will release July 19 on all major consoles.